3 NC State Players Make the 2023 College Football Freak List

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic has once again released his annual College Football Freaks list, and NC State has 3 players represented out of the Top-101.

27. Payton Wilson, NC State, linebacker

A former standout lacrosse player and state champion wrestler, the 6-4, 235-pound senior is one of the best players in the country. He led the ACC in tackles in 2020, missed most of the 2021 season with a shoulder injury and then bounced back to make 82 tackles last season. Wilson has been clocked in the 40 at 4.49 and ran a 4.21 in the pro agility shuttle this offseason. He bench-pressed 390; vertical-jumped 35 1/2 inches and broad-jumped 9-8 1/2.

40. Davin Vann, NC State, defensive end

In 2022, Vann had eight TFLs and 4.5 sacks, showcasing his great strength and explosiveness. The 6-2, 278-pound junior is a former state champion heavyweight wrestler, who also finished second in the state in the shot put and had the third-longest discus throw in the United State that same year. Vann bench-pressed 405 pounds and squatted 580. He’s also run a 4.79 40 and vertical-jumped 33 inches.

54. Jordan Houston, NC State, running back

The Wolfpack’s leading rusher in 2022, Houston ran for a career-high 90 yards in their win over FSU. The 5-10, 190-pound senior has a 41 1/2-inch vertical and broad-jumps 10-10 1/2 inches. He’s timed 4.06 in the shuttle and 4.46 in the 40. He also squats 550, benches 365 and does 22 reps of 225.

(The Athletic)